The Pakistan Tourism and Sports Festival concluded in Islamabad on Sunday after attracting large crowds over three days, with cultural performances, traditional food, adventure sports and family entertainment.
Held at the Pakistan Sports Complex from November 6 to 8, the festival brought together visitors from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other parts of the country. It offered families and young people an opportunity to explore Pakistan’s cultural diversity and enjoy a variety of recreational activities at one venue.
Stalls featuring traditional handicrafts, handmade products, regional clothing and local food remained among the main attractions. Cultural exhibitions representing all provinces of Pakistan showcased the country’s diverse traditions and heritage. Members of the diplomatic community also set up stalls highlighting their countries’ cultures, tourism destinations and traditional cuisines.
The festival featured folk dances, musical performances, concerts, fireworks and flying lanterns. Sports and entertainment attractions included traditional tent pegging, cycling competitions, heavy bike displays and car shows.
Adventure activities also drew considerable interest, with visitors enjoying paragliding, paramotor flying, hot air balloon rides, horse riding, rock climbing, archery and paintball. Special play areas and activities provided entertainment for children, while a double-decker bus safari offered visitors another way to explore the capital.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the festival on November 6. Speaking at the opening ceremony, he highlighted Pakistan’s tourism potential and stressed the need to improve visitor facilities, hospitality services and coordination to attract more international tourists.
Advisor and National Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, inaugurated the three-day Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival by cutting the ribbon and later addressed participants, highlighting the country’s tourism potential showcased through cultural performances, food stalls, provincial pavilions and family activities.
The Pakistan Tourism and Sports Festival was jointly organised by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Pakistan Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (PHPA).
The event also provided a platform for local businesses, artisans, tourism operators and provincial tourism departments to showcase their products and promote tourist destinations across the country.
General admission to the festival was free, while selected rides, concerts and special activities required separate tickets or registration.
